Getting ready to finally go out on our first trip in the 'new-to-us' TT. We had some serious renovations to do -- read replacing a couple of good chunks of flooring, and some long-neglected maintenance (wheel bearings, systems checks, etc, - but we think we're good to go now. We are are not newbies to camping (long-time tent campers), but this is our first trailer, and I'm trying to cover all our bases to make this first trip as easy as possible. I've downloaded prep lists and adapted them to our personal situation, but I still have a couple of questions for all of you seasoned folks...What is the one thing that you found you really needed for trips? What 'gotta have' item did you buy and found out you didn't need?Thanks in advance. One week and counting.

Camp out in the driveway first. That way, the house is right there for stuff you forgot.

I suppose we really didn't need it but I do not regret installing an EMS. We have encountered a few electrical anomalies on the past two years and I believe the EMS has saved the TT from damage.One thing I bought and have never used is a "water bandit". It's a small and inexpensive item so I don't regret buying it.

Voltage meter. I never realized how bad some CG voltage was until I started to monitor it and investigated the damage that can be done. Makes managing bad electrical voltage pretty easy.

One thing that I really need for trips?Water hose splitter. There are alot of things you just dont want to clean inside your TT(crockpot is a perfect example). With a second hose outside it makes easy work of the most messy clean up jobsStuff i bought that i dont actually need?set of dishes. just buy/use paper plates and plastic cups. saves space and weight

gotta have water pressure regulator, preferably a good watts type. also multifunction surge protector.bumpy

Yet another newbie question! | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

AJBert
Explorer
Sep 18, 2015
I'll throw in the number one must is toilet paper. Paper towels "work" but not a great replacement!
Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
Looks like you got a lot of good advice. Welcome to TT camping and I pray you enjoy every minute of it.
jfkmk
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
Golfcart wrote:
My wife likes to walk out of mirror sight while she gives hand signals.. So yea, walkie talkies are a must lol

Hey, my wife does the same thing! Then, when out of sight, she'll say "ok, now come this way". :h

Yeah, the walky talkies are a must. We prefer the cell phones so it can be a two way conversation, but if there's no service they come in handy.

I also second nixing the dishes. Bought a set of Corning ware for the trailer and almost exclusively use paper or plastic plates.
Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
I/We use cell phones in place of walkie/talkies..

we have outside shower... is great for cleaning up after cooking in pots.
when I was looking at this trailer and Said. I see not use for outside shower.. boy was I wrong on this one ,,:)

2 credit cards... of different accounts.... in case 1 is lost or stolen...
and NOT kept in the same place (wallet) ..
jhfxrtleeh1
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
Thanks, gang. Yes, we've tent camped for a long time -- I just keep thinking we've forgotten something since I seem to have a lot of empty space. But I've got my notepad, water regulator and a voltage meter. Didn't think about a hose splitter, but since we don't have an outdoor shower outlet, I can see where it would come in handy. Never even considered walkie talkies, but that might make for a happy husband! I can see how paper plates would save water -- good idea. What is an EMS -- a whole trailer surge suppressor?
Golfcart
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
My wife likes to walk out of mirror sight while she gives hand signals.. So yea, walkie talkies are a must lol
evanrem
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2015
I bought a waste tote I never used once. If you tented it you have everything you need, the rest is all comfort stuff. Get the notepad, my wife does that and always has a list of things we need to get and even writes down my suggestions. One thing comes to mind now.... walking talkies for backing up. We did not have them for one trip and I really missed them.
bobndot
Explorer III
Sep 17, 2015
Where you plan to use the TT will matter. Certain equipment makes life easier at state parks with no hookups.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2015
A notepad & pen. To write down stuff that comes up.

My advice is to start very minimal, and then add only what you need. Otherwise you can end up duplicating & hauling around half the contents of your house.

Duplicate & compact as you can---get things like a collapsible silicon colander, plastic storage containers that can double as mixing bowls. I second the idea of using paper/disposable products when possible, unless you are buying them for a large family. Saves water cleaning things, reduces weight & frees up storage. I do draw the line at all plastic eating utensils--blech!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
gotta have water pressure regulator, preferably a good watts type. also multifunction surge protector.
bumpy

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Yet another newbie question!

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